bitter principle (Achillein) and a peculiar acid, which takes 

 its name from the generic appellation of the plant. 



Aconitum Napellus, L. 



The Monk's Hood. In the colder, especially mountainous 

 parts of Europe and Northern Asia. A powerful medicinal 

 plant of perennial growth, but sometimes only of biennial 

 duration, variable in its forms. It was first introduced into 

 Australia, together with a number of other Aconits, by the 

 writer of this communication. All the species possess more 

 or less modified medicinal qualities, as well in their herb as 

 in their root ; but so dangerously powerful are they, that 

 the plants can only be administered by the exercise of legiti- 

 mate medical practice. Napellus root, according to Professor 

 Wittstein, contains three alkaloids : Aconitin, Napellin and 

 Narcotin. The foliage contains also a highly acrid, volatile 

 principle, perhaps chemically not unlike that of many other 

 Kanunculacese. Aconitin, one of the most potent of any 

 of the medicinal substances in existence, can likewise be 

 obtained from the Nepalese Aconitum ferox,^and probably 

 from several other species of the genus. 



Acorus Calamus, L. 



The Sweet Flag. Europe, Middle and North Asia, North 

 America. A perennial pond or lake plant. The somewhat 

 aromatic root is used as a stomachic, and also in the pre- 

 paration of confectionery, in the distillation of gin, and in 

 the brewing of some kinds of beer. The flavor of the 

 root depends mainly on a peculiar volatile oil. 



Actaea spicata, L. 



The Baneberry. On forest mountains, mainly in limestone 

 soil of Europe, North Asia and North America. A peren- 

 nial medicinal herb. Its virtue depends on peculiar acrid 

 and bitter, as well as tonic principles. In North America, 

 this species, and likewise A. alba, are also praised as effica- 

 cious antidotes against ophidian poisons. 



Adesmia balsamica, Bertero. 



The Jarilla of Chili. A small shrub, remarkable for exuding 

 a fragrant balsam of some technic value. 



